Links 2003 not working with Windows 10

[dwg]

As far as I am concerned the wrapper is just another tool that can be used, if you do not need to use then don't, but it is available if needed, it is just another option. So no offence taken.

I found with Linux when using the Intel embedded graphics I did not need to use it either so it is one of those things that you may or may not need. FWIW on Linux the Nvidia graphics solutions I tried ran like a dog with whatever version of the Nvidia drivers I tried.

[Shufordsc]

Thanks to everyone for all the tips and suggestions.

I am slowly plugging away at it, but so far no joy.

I have not tried the wrapper yet but that's my next step.

[Shufordsc]

UPDATE:

So I have managed to get it running.... Sort of kind of.... It will load and run sometimes, but not others...

The one constant is it must be started from a totally clean boot, not from a restart. I have compatibility set for Windows 7, run as Admin, and high DPI override for application, and Mode 12 in the registry. It did run a time or two in Mode 15, but won't run in Mode 5

It's like it wants to run stable, but something is just a little off and I have no idea what it is.

BTW, where can I get this "Wrapper" so I can maybe try it..??

[pmgolf]

This first thread is the one.

viewtopic.php?t=788

And don't type in the name of it. (Google Bots flag it and that can cause problems. Rhymes with you - hoo) All I know about it is that there are some .DLL's you have to put somewhere, and Andy can help. Good luck.

Pete

[dwg]

The kit has 4 DLLs in it that you place into the Links program folder, Links is not using all of the DLLs.

There is also a configuration program you should run, and you are best served by saving the configuration into the Links program folder.
you will need to run it as administrator to do this.

The first thread has pointers to all the information needed to set it up. It is the DirectX part of the configuration that you are specifically interested in. Links is a DirectX program (DirectX 7)

[Shufordsc]

Thanks for the info

But should I really be needing this wrapper if I am running a stand alone graphics card..??

I did manage to get the program to load up a few times today, but it's now refusing to load at all after multiple attempts.

[dwg]

Once you get Links running, it usually keeps running, so you have an oddity there. There really is little to configure or change in Links, even V 1.07 has only added a couple of changes, and really that is largely related to resolution settings, so I would be thinking there is something going on in the environment outside of Links.

Links is an old program, as we all know, and was built to use an older version of DirectX. It is not really what hardware you have/use it is the software the hardware uses in terms of Direct X support. The wrapper is a shim that sits between Links and the upstream drivers and libraries, it effectively converts the older DirectX calls into a newer version of DirectX. It is this action that allows it to work with Embedded Intel GPUs and their drivers. There is no reason to think that it may not help with other GPUs in certain circumstances, especially if their drivers have not implemented something that Links needs from the older specification.

As I said earlier, it is just another tool that may help in certain situations.

Historically Links has for example worked with certain versions of Nvidia drivers better than other versions, Some versions have supported translucent shadows some have not, so it is a bit of a moving target, there are no hard and fast rules in the main. The closest I would go to a rule is that as far as I have seen it is pretty likely you will need to use the wrapper if you are running Links with a relatively recent Intel GPU under Windows, and even there I am not being definite.

[Shufordsc]

DWG, thanks for all the help and info.

I tried the wrapper but unfortunately it still won't run.

At this point I think I have tried just about everything, I'm not going to go messing with a rollback of my graphics drivers because I don't want to impact any of my other games that are working well currently. I will keep fiddling with Links and I will continue to check in here from time to time and see if any new suggestions pop up.

Thanks again to everyone.

[Adelade]

Some USB devices have been known to cause problems for Links to start up, have you tried launching Links without any connected?

Make sure you set the wrapper up correctly - did you get the text at the bottom saying 3D acceleration by [...] during startup or wont you even get to that stage?

Did you try adding your video card to the GraphicSettings.txt file? Or is it supposed to be the VideoCard.txt file maybe I guess?

Just thinking out loud: Might it have anything to do with the opening cinematic(s) attempting and failing to play? They wont play for me, not sure I remember why. Could one perhaps locate the file(s) of the opening cinematic(s) and try removing them? Or some setting to disable them playing? In case they are the problem. I remember that they tend to play around the time during startup when some people, including in this thread it seems, report the game crashing. There are these 2 files in my Links folder that may or may not have something to do with it(?): start.obj and start.sbr

Upon further reflection, you can select to "Play Intro" under Options > About, and then it tells me to insert CD1, so maybe thats not it. But then that makes me wonder, Shufordsc, have you tried replacing the RUKSHUK file?

[Shufordsc]

Thanks Adelade, I don't have any USB devices connected except my mouse and keyboard and I can't very well disconnect those.

I am not using the CD version, but where would I get a replacement for this RUKSHUK file if I wanted to try that..??

And yes I do get the "3D acceleration by message" when the loading gets that far, which has only happened once or twice.